Washington State Proposes Updates for Low Emission Vehicle Standards

The state's Department of Ecology announced routine updates for low emission vehicle standards in order to stay compliant with federal and state laws.

Oct 11, 2012

Since 2005, Washington state's legislature has followed the same vehicle emissions regulations as California. According to these regulations, all automobiles that are 2009 models and newer need to meet specific requirements that control the amount of air pollutants and greenhouse gases they emit.

On Oct. 10, the Washington legislature announced routine updates are necessary in order to keep the state fully compliant where emissions are concerned. Under these new updates, the state's Department of Ecology would be required to update Chapter 173-423 WAC when California has made any amendment to its emissions legislation. As outlined by this proposal, vehicles will need updated labeling and on-board diagnostic system requirements, along with any other change needed to be current with the same standards as California. Vehicle manufacturers now will need to show how their vehicles meet greenhouse gas limits for multiple states instead of on a state-by-state basis.

For those interested in learning more about the new gas emission regulations, a public hearing will take place Nov. 7 in Lacey, Wash. Visit the Department of Ecology website for more information.